In an increasingly global job market, college students need more than classroom knowledge to compete. They need practical, real-world experience obtained through internships and leadership opportunities. At West Virginia University’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics, thenew Career Studio provides students with the coaching they need to embark on a successful career.

Business school students here will find that the Career Studio is staffed by their fellow students — peer career coaches who have demonstrated success in their own internship or job search. These coaches are also active members in the Chambers College Career Readiness Program and know the skills and competencies that employers are seeking in early talent.

The Career Studio is part of a larger college-wide initiative to increase access to student-led coaching and tutoring services. The Academic Engagement and Success Center (AeSC) offers students tutoring with challenging undergraduate business courses through the Neidermeyer Scholars Program; development of or polishing communication skills in the Business Communication Center; and peer-led career coaching in the Career Studio.

“The Career Studio gives students the opportunity to receive feedback and job searching strategies from students who have been in their shoes,” said Ashley Lesnick, assistant director of undergraduate career development at the Chambers College Center for Career Development. “It also provides the students greater flexibility in when they can receive our services. Students can just drop in and get a resume review or job searching tips without scheduling an appointment.”

In addition to helping students establish a foundation for future career success, it also provides excellent work and leadership experience for the peer career coaches. These students have excelled academically as well as in the workforce, and they are excited to help their peers realize their career potential.

“The Career Studio was designed to extend our availability of services and make career preparedness a part of the everyday college life,” Lesnick said.

Few schools have such an exciting opportunity as this one for the Chambers College. By giving students the chance to prepare themselves for their professions, our business school is taking that extra leap to further student success — beyond what they get in the classroom.